Sallah: Shettima empathizes with Borno citizens over pains of vehicular restriction; seeks renewed prayers for end to insurgency, rebuilding and safe re-settlement of IDPs

Governor Kashim Shettima says he understands, feels and shares the pains of citizens, particularly the elderly, children and women who had to trek to Eid grounds from their distant homes as a result of vehicular restriction imposed as part of security measures to prevent any breach that could cause harm on any citizen.
The Governor’s empathy was contained in his sallah message which was signed by his Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.

According to the statement, Governor Shettima who is currently in Makkah leading Borno’s pilgrims as the 2017 Ameerul Hajj, said whereas festivities are meant for celebrations, he is mostly pained whenever assessment by the State security Council warrants taking measures that would subject citizens to any form of difficulties.

Governor Kashim Shettima is very much concerned about the troubles elderly citizens, women and children encounter in trekking long distances for the purpose of exercising their religious rites of worship.

The Governor explained that vehicular restrictions are normally imposed as last option after members of the State Security Council exhaust consideration of all other alternatives available to them.

Governor Shettima however said security agencies of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari with the support of youth volunteers, vigilantes and hunters being funded by the Borno State Government have remained gallant and dedicated in their determination to bring the security situation in the State to an end with the hope that subsequent festivities will not require measures that subject citizens to difficulties.

The Governor expressed his profound appreciation to residents for their extreme tolerance, understanding, courage and support for President Buhari’s administration and Government of Borno State in the collective effort to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

Shettima called on residents to renew their faith in their firm believe that the security challenges faced by the State will insha’Allah come to an end very soon and the emerging peace being witnessed by the State will endure with social and economic prosperity.

The Governor also called on residents to sustain their demonstration of empathy and support for internally displaced persons while he urged them to remain steadfast in their prayers and support for the continued success of his administration’s ongoing rebuilding of communities and restoration of livelihoods (destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents across the State) towards the safe and dignified re-settlement of displaced persons.

Governor Kashim Shettima also called on residents, especially internally displaced persons to support and be hospitable to humanitarian workers from within and outside Nigeria, reminding that humanitarian workers are in Borno to help those in need of food, medical attention, shelters and livelihoods in order to share the responsibilities of the Federal and State Government in Nigeria. The Governor said the activities of the workers are mostly funded by donors who part with scarce resources after concerted advocacies made by humanitarian stake-holders that include the UN, the Nigerian Government, foreign donor countries and the Borno State Government. The Governor said while he recognizes and understands the trauma faced by internally displaced persons and challenges of meeting their basic needs, the recent misbehaviors towards humanitarian workers in one of the IDP camps in the State was uncalled for and will not be allowed to repeat itself. Governor Shettima said while IDPs are entitled to support from their Government, interventions from humanitarian workers should be regarded as deserved privileges which that should be reciprocated with cooperation and mutual respect between displaced persons and all those sincerely working to support them in sharing the responsibilities of Government.

Shettima assures displaced persons of his administration’s commitment in accelerated reconstruction of communities to fast track the safe and dignified return or re-settlement of displaced persons with all basic services and livelihoods restored for enable them stand on their feet once again.